Gong Show

The sisters of Kappa Delta Phi and the brothers of Gamma Beta took home the first place medal with a synchronized step dance routine. | Catherine Lara

Showing some philanthropic finesse, the Delta Zeta sorority hosted their 25th annual Gong Show on Wednesday in the Houston Room at the University Center. The talent show was held to raise funds for The Center for Hearing and Speech, an organization that gives aid and teaching to children with hearing and speech impediments. The theme this year, Cougars Got Talent, modeled the television program America’s Got Talent, showing acts from different fraternities and sororities.

Cassie Cooper, co-chair of the Gong Show, said she was excited about the show, hoping to top the record-breaking donation raised last year.

“This is our 25th annual Gong Show. Last year was the most we raised, which I think was $5,000, and so we are hoping to raise more than that this year,” Cooper said. “(The donors) have a half page, quarter page or full page (of messages in the program) depending on their donation. We will also have a slide running with all of our sponsors. We also have a raffle, a silent auction and T-shirt sales.”

Sophomore Kayly Scott went to support her fellow sorority sisters at Phi Mu.

“The show was really good. I was so impressed with all the dances. Everyone did a really great job,” Scott said. “(The cause) is really great. DZ’s philanthropy is hearing and speech and it’s really awesome that they do that.”

Gamma Beta won first place among the panel of judges; Chi Omega came in a close second with Sigma Phi Epsilon sliding into third. With their colorful routine, Sigma Chi took the Turtle Award, an honor given to the act that showcased the most Delta Zeta appreciation. Lastly, the coveted Spirit Award went to the men of Tau Kappa Epsilon.